Turkish-Backed Forces Detain Journalist in Northwest Syria, Sparking Outcry

In a concerning development for press freedom, Bakr Qassim, a local journalist collaborating with international news agencies, was detained by Turkish-backed authorities in rebel-held northwestern Syria on 2024-08-26. This incident has sparked outcry among media professionals and human rights advocates, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in the region.

Qassim, known for his work with Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency, was apprehended in al-Bab, a city in northern Aleppo province. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Qassim was forcibly taken and allegedly mistreated during his arrest. He is currently being held in Hawar Kilis village near the Turkish border.

The journalist's wife, Nabiha Taha, was briefly detained for two hours before being released following protests from local journalists and residents. The circumstances surrounding Qassim's current situation remain unclear.

In response to the arrest, AFP editor-in-chief Sophie Huet issued a statement calling for Qassim's immediate release and the restoration of his ability to work freely. This incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of press freedom in Syria, which has been severely compromised since the outbreak of the civil war in 2011.

The detention of Qassim is not an isolated incident. Activists and journalists in northwestern Syria have announced plans for a protest, demanding the release of Qassim and other arbitrarily detained individuals, including activist Karam Kellieh, who was arrested approximately two months ago.

Northwestern Syria remains a complex political landscape, with different areas controlled by various factions. Idlib province is under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an al-Qaida-linked group, while northern Aleppo province is governed by Turkish-backed forces. This fragmented control has contributed to the challenges faced by journalists and activists operating in the region.

The situation underscores the ongoing risks faced by media professionals in Syria, which has been consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous countries for journalists by the Committee to Protect Journalists. Since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, the country has witnessed numerous human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests and detentions, as reported by the United Nations.

As the Syrian Civil War approaches its 14th year, the international community continues to grapple with its far-reaching consequences, including one of the largest refugee crises in modern history. The arrest of Bakr Qassim serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for press freedom and human rights in this war-torn nation.

"We call on the local authorities in northern Syria to immediately release our correspondent Bakr Qassim and allow him to resume his work freely."